Colon Cancer Symptoms & Treatments

Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. It affects the lining of the bowel and is also known as colorectal cancer and bowel cancer. If left untreated, colon cancer can metastasize to the liver and lungs. It is important to know the risk facts, to get screened and to obtain treatment as soon as possible.

RIsk factors

Colon cancer largely affects people in their 60s and 70s, but cases do occur in younger people, especially if there is a family history of the disease. Smoking and alcohol consumption increase the chances of colon cancer; diets high in red meat also raise a person's risk of developing the disease. Additionally, heredity makes one more susceptible to colon cancer. For anyone who has had a family member with the disease, it is important to get screened.

Screenings

Individuals who have a moderate risk for developing this cancer are advised to obtain regular screenings starting at age 50; however, it is wise for those with high risk factors to begin earlier. A colonoscopy is the most common screening tool, though a doctor may want to perform other tests as well. Polyps and other pre-cancerous cells are sometimes found and removed during a colonoscopy; if abnormal tissue is found, a biopsy is done to check for cancer. It is prudent to have regular screening for colon cancer, especially if you are at increased risk.

Symptoms

Colon cancer often develops slowly with few symptoms. Symptoms that eventually manifest are usually dependent on the size and location of the tumor, and they include unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite, anemia and blood in the stool. If a tumor is really large, it can cause a blockage in the bowel. It is imperative for anyone who has any concerns to contact his or her healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Treatment

Once colon cancer is diagnosed, one must consider the best treatments. Treatments often depend on the current stage of the cancer, whether it has spread and, if so, where it has spread. Surgery is often used to remove the primary tumor from the colon; if the cancer has not spread, it is possible for the surgery to eradicate the problem. Surgery is usually followed by chemotherapy to either prevent the disease from spreading or to attack other tumors that have metastasized. Radiation is not routinely used to treat colon cancer. Some patients may receive more aggressive treatments, such as liver resection and radiotherapy, but these are determined by the treating physicians.

Colon cancer is life-threatening and diagnosis must occur early. People who have any concerns are advised to contact their health care provider; early detection is key to successful treatment.

Colon cancer is life threatening and diagnosis must occur early

by Elisabeth Murray, Medical writer